Severe gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
